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Your Story: Corstorphine Friendly Society |
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Such societies began in Scotland in the 17th century and were local independent bodies with their own funds. The purpose was to insure the members against periods of unemployment with consequent loss of earnings when illness struck them, to pay for decent burial for their dead, and to enjoy the fellowship at meetings. The motto of the Corstorphine Society was "for ourselves and for all".
Contributions varied according to the state of funds. In its early years the enrolment fee was half a crown with quarterly payments of one shilling. Benefits also varied at different times but, on occasions, amounted to three shillings weekly. Members could also claim burial benefit on the death of a wife.
Each year in June the Society met for its annual dinner when the Colours (a banner) were rouped. The highest bidder then had the honour of heading the procession of members as it went through the parish collecting donations.
When Cumberland Hill born in Ratho in 1778 decided in 1849 to emigrate to "the Cape of Good Colony" where his son was prepared to keep his parents "for the reminder of their days" he asked for £5 "to provide little comforts for the voyage". His letter gives us an interesting glimpse into the social history of 1849. The Friendly Society did not deny this request from “Cumby” who had paid his first subscription in 1805. So he was paid and made his voyage to the Cape of Good Hope - unfortunately we do not know how his passage was and how he fared there.
Transcript of letter
10th March 1849
Dear Sir,
As I am about to go off to the Cape of Good Hope Colonys I asked Mr Wright last Wednesday his opinion of the proposal I am going to make to the committee of the Society through you and he seemed favourable to its, encouraged by his approval I lay it before you hoping it will meet your approbation too.
It is now about 47 or 48 years since I joined the Society and I am now about 73 years old and very likely would very soon be a burden on the funds and at death would be entitled to £4 and my wife to £3 of funeral money. Now sir as I am going to my son who has kindly offered to keep his father and mother for the remainder of their days, and as our finances are rather low to provide little comforts on the voyage which old people require. If you would be so kind as grant me £5 out of the £7 I shall trouble you no more.
Please let me know your decision as soon as possible as I expect to sail about the end of next week. Mr Wright will perhaps be so kind as bring me the news on Wednesday. Now if you will grant me this favour you will confer a lasting obligation on your Humble Servant,
Cumberland Hill
Words: Corstorphine Trust
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